Economic Development Team
Contents
What the Economic Development Team does
The Economic Development Team works on projects and initiatives that seek to support the sustainable growth of the local economy in Tunbridge Wells borough.
- We are the first point of contact for business enquiries to the Council (see Contact Us).
- We manage the TWBC Business Portal pages, compile the monthly E-biz newsletter and manage the business and Visit Tunbridge Wells social media accounts.
- We promote the borough as a destination for businesses and visitors and we manage the Visit Tunbridge Wells website.
- We work with Kent County Council and public transport operators (bus and rail) to improve the local transport network.
- We undertake research and commission reports relating to economic development.
- We bid for government funding when opportunities arise.
On all of the above, we work with a wide range of partners including
- Local Businesses
- Kent & Medway Growth Hub
- Kent County Council (Highways and Economic Development)
- Visit Kent
- Locate in Kent
- Jobcentre Plus
- Local schools and colleges
- Business Representative Organisations e.g. Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, Federation for Small Businesses, Paddock Wood Business Association
- Town & Parish Councils
West Kent partners
Reports, Plans & Strategies
Economic Development Strategy 2023-26Published in December 2023, the strategy sets out the approach that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and its partners will take to create the best conditions for sustainable economic growth in the borough. PDF 9.0 MB
|
Creative Sector Studies - Tunbridge WellsIn 2018, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) and Kent County Council (KCC) commissioned Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy (TFCC) to undertake a baseline study and situation analysis of the cultural and creative industries in Tunbridge Wells Borough. This report updated the work carried out by TFCC in 2012 to develop a Cultural and Creative Industries Framework for the Borough. Cultural Compact Report - Arts Council England - BOP Consulting - October 2020 |
West Kent PartnershipWest Kent comprises the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks District. These areas share many characteristics, which make for a strong West Kent identity. The region delivers a high quality of life, a well-functioning economy playing a vital role in promoting and sustaining the Kent economy as a whole. |
Tunbridge Wells Submission Local Plan and supporting documentsTWBC is working towards adopting a new Local Plan. The Council has progressed a draft Local Plan and has now submitted a proposal which is being reviewed by officials. To see the Local Plan submission and supporting documents please visit our Submission Local Plan and Core Documents page. |
Kent County Council Research and StatisticsKent County Council keeps an archive on various economic, demographic and public health statistics. This data can be accessed by clicking below: |
South East Local Enterprise PartnershipThe South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) is a partnership for growth between business, government, and education. SELEP work together with all sectors of business, all levels of government and in partnership with key agencies to pursue and attract investment into the South East which will deliver significant economic growth. Further information and strategies can be accessed on the South East Local Enterprise Partnership website. |
Transport Plans & StrategiesThe Economic Development team is responsible for promoting and supporting active travel in the borough. To focus support, the Economic Development team created a Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan to provide a strategy and action plan to encourage and facilitate active travel in the borough. Please use the link below to view the strategy: |
Get involved
The Economic Development team responds to a number of local and regional consultations to protect the interests of local residents, businesses and the environment. Please see details of ongoing consultations that the Economic Development team are responding to below:
Contact us
The Economic Development team is here to help borough businesses of all sizes and across all sectors.
The easiest way to get in touch is to email us at business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
However, if you want to speak to one of the team, please call 01892 335538. If we are not available when you call, then please leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible.
The team is based in the Town Hall in Royal Tunbridge Wells, but we are always keen to get out and about across the borough to meet with local businesses.
Our social media channels are:
Facebook: @VisitTunbridgeWells
Instagram: @Officialvisittunbridgewells
Twitter: @TwellsTourism
The Economic Development Team is:
Hilary Smith
Economic Development Manager
James Read
Senior Economic Development Officer
Sarah-Louise Koessler
Marketing & Communications Officer